Thought for the day

"Each generation of men and women accumulate rules, ordinances & precepts that fit their needs, times, circumstances & culture. They sometimes move away from the original intent that God designed. When this happens, religion is borne. It is this constant cycle that each of us is faced with that we must overcome.

Can you transcend the cycle that births complacency in your worship and endorses ignorance through vain repetition? If you cannot transcend this vicious and debilitating cycle, you are bound by default to repeat the errors of those before you. Yur relationship will be no more than that of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus's day. Listen carefully to what Jesus said to the Pharisees about the religion in their life.

Matthew 12:1-9  "Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, V2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash their hands when they eat bread." From the International Children's Bible V3 Jesus said, "And why do you refuse to obey God's command so that you can follow these rules you have? V4 God said, Honor your father and mother. And God also said, Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death. V5 But you say, that a person can tell his father or mother, I have something I could use to help you. But I will not use it for you. I will give it to God.  V6 You teach that person not to honor his father. You teach that it is not important to do what God said. You think it is more important to follow the rules you have. V7 You are hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he spoke about you: KJV V8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  V9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
 

Excerpt from The Power of God Thinking by Keith C. Powell Copyright 20110